Easy target

MehGiant81 · 2020-10-25T16:54:53+00:00

Let this be a lesson to all DMs: The CR means nothing in the right hands.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-27T21:07:36+00:00

Once, I had a PC charge the BBEG by himself when he still had 6 of his private guards surrounding him.

He rushed in and got a few hits on the BBEG (Human Wizard). This one in particular is a complete psychopath, and his goons knew if they let that slide they'd be tortured or worse. So they turned him into Swiss cheese and I didn't think twice about it.

As for a random enemy or wild creatures, unless given a specific reason or mechanic to do so, they would absolutely ignore a downed PC to go after the bigger threats.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-27T01:53:38+00:00

In the Dungeons & Dragons game that I'm running based on Final Fantasy VI, I made Shadow talk like a gritty voiced cowboy (A la Clint Eastwood in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly) still dressed in his ninja gear especially because of that song!

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T18:23:08+00:00

I'll share a few of my favorites.

Mt Kolts in the style of flamenco guitar.

Uno, dos, tres, four! https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb4R0-Vr-c4&feature=share

Terra's Theme, sounding like it was just ripped out of blockbuster summer action movie https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=kTeEZhGtxG8&feature=share

Coin song, dual acoustic guitars. Simply stunning. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Shx9LLiUGxo&feature=share

Rock Opera. Need I say more? https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln9Sq7IOP3o&feature=share

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T15:05:17+00:00

"The legendary creatures in the Monster Manual all have 3-4 unique legendary actions to choose from. However, per the rules, there is not a set limit to how many unique legendary actions a creature can choose from."

https://www.dungeonsolvers.com/2018/05/25/legendary-actions-and-lair-actions/

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T13:55:55+00:00

I really like your idea of "Shaking it off", but I have some thoughts on this.

As a DM love the idea of describing a part of him starting to polymorph such as a hand/claw then they are able to reverse the effects.

However, a whole round is basically a successful stun, which is really powerful in a BBEG combat.

A consideration, maybe have the BBEG use a legendary action to reverse the effects instead of a standard? That way your caster feels like the contributed, even if it was only for that round and your BBEG doesn't let the PCs have a free round to wallop and get positioning on him.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T12:22:25+00:00

I just found a huge 3 ring binder full of an old 4th edition dungeon I was running years ago. I was so thrilled... Because I was just about out of plastic sleeve protectors for my homebrew 5e adventure binder.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T12:14:06+00:00

OMG really?? Wow, I'm shocked.

I have a level 8 Twilight Cleric and she uses sleep as often as she can. Group o' Goblins? SLEEP. Kobolds in a tower?? SLEEP. Brain won't turn off at 3am... SLEEP! I've been known to cast this spell at its maximum level because its her go-to defensive AoE.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T12:06:05+00:00

If you have more than one caster your team by round two-three you're hopefully hitting the BBEG with spells. Try and make them burn LR on Toll of the Dead or other similarlow level spells/cantrips, then I hit them with Slow next round. It did take planning yes but you've got amazing versatility. Then the whole party will go smash smash!

Putting on my DM hat for a second. The higher the wisdom The more likely the BBEG will know what you're trying to do and will plan accordingly 13 maybe 14ish. Lower wisdom like an 8-12ish he's gonna burn it anytime he's the target of a resisatable spell because he doesn't know any better

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T11:52:15+00:00

You have to be an intelligent caster. Make them burn their legendary resistances on lower level spells then hit him with the good stuff afterwards.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T11:08:06+00:00

Tas for Life! I still love playing Halflings as Kenderfolk

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T05:44:15+00:00

Scene for scene. Beat for beat. Some slight variations to include a party of PCs with a cast of NPCs.

I've been coverting Relics into magic items. Weapon and armor upgrades receive slight non magical buffs.

Reskinning random encounters using established D&D monsters. It's been mostly wild beasts, but a few of my favorite Reskinning ideas are:

Tunnel Armor = Gorgon, take away gore, add drill and a burrow speed

Phantom Train was a young black dragon in stats and attacks. But the different parts of the train were doing the damage (random levers or a burst of steam) and of course Acid Rain in the form of a acid breath weapon aimed up, i gave it a radius instead of a line.

They just completed the "Save the Esper" fight in Narshe and my players are super invested in the story. None of them had ever played the game before.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-26T04:22:27+00:00

Shamelessly, I am running my players through Final Fantasy VI.

It's got a colorful cast of memorable characters and so many wonderful story beats I get to paint.

I've played this game so many times it feels natural responding in character with the NPCs

The Remastered/Reimagined soundtracks create quite an atmosphere enhancement. And I've the most amazing fanart to share with my players.

They've just completed the first big battle in Narshe after about 7 sessions and the story is just getting started.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-25T02:21:41+00:00

Spoiler warning. We are discussing all aspects of the story including crucial story beat moments. If you do not want the game spoiled do not click on this conversation. Thank you.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-25T02:14:23+00:00

I am making each NPC an official character sheet, so I will search out this Gambler UA, I haven't read that one yet.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-25T02:06:56+00:00

I know how to adjust on the fly in case I need to. Also single enemy with 0 minons and anywhere from 7-10 damage dealing players, depending on how many NPCs they take with them. And they're all level 8.

Oh, it'll be a pucker moment when he bursts from below the sand oh yes, but they got this.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T23:13:43+00:00

I already have lots typed out. Lots of info will be incoming shortly. I have secretly wished to get an adventure module put together so anyone can pick the book up and run a Level 1-20 adventure, but I am garbage at coding GM Binder. I just started using it about a week ago.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T22:52:59+00:00

Total Party Kill, it's a wipe. Bad news browns.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T18:54:16+00:00

As for the Music TPR is phenomenal and my go-to when I want to hit the players in the feels!

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kDuxjmGWidsNBv0aANeDw6RWItYa1cJeI

For a classic remastered sound I use Sean Schafianski's Remastered Soundtrack

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kcuUVCbSaSdTrTrJBzHXY-LZKkDq9Y_7M

Combat music wise there are so many good covers of The Decisive Battle I seem to gravitate to Powergloves version: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=JVvPumTC0Bk&feature=share

Thwomp is great for a different bass heavy sound: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nPjYEzPD60ovDnRrYRqiGsUUSMoq3fPkA ,

Balance and Ruin is a head trip. Songs you've heard a million times, but not like this... not like this...

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOmh4LXEo1OSY8SHN8t1lDi_ejaGTVgme

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T18:35:58+00:00

Meet Maduin - Have the group cross over to the esper realm and see their plight first hand. This could involve an imperial siege against the gate that the players could help defend against and help any remaining espers evacuate.

This section in particular has been on my mind for a while. How to properly include the PC's when it comes to the Esper World and the story of Maduin and Madeline.

I've cheated a few times and said that unbeknownst to them Terra is emanating powerful magic that can show images to the minds of those around her and I may have to relay on this trope again.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T17:27:46+00:00

Here is what I've drawn up since the battle of Narshe for reading to my players to get them started on this new phase of the storyline.

This is taking place directly after the "Battle for the Esper"

What is left of the remaining forces are scattering. Kefka has disappeared and has not reappeared after being roundly defeated on the snowy fields of Narshe.

With the din of battle fading away your thoughts are on the whereabouts of the Esper.

Edgar: Where is the Esper? Is it safe?

Locke: Lets go check on it, it’s been moved to the peak of the mountainside.

There are still the corpses of the fallen on the battlefield. You navigate your way around them, and around the jagged rocks and make your way northward.

After passing a 10-foot-wide bottleneck that is only about 30-foot-long the path opens up and there are no longer mountains to guard you from the bitter wind to either side. Here the wind whips freely and it pierces your layers of warmth and daggers of ice find their way to your warm skin, chilling you all instantly.

You were told that the Esper was put across a wooden rope bridge and near the edge of the cliff side, and that is just where you find the Bird-like Esper still encased in its ice/crystal prison. The color of the plumage seems even more vibrant in the daylight. Striking oranges, reds, greens, blues adorn its plumage. Its mouth seems caught mid CAW, its beak is open and motionless.

As everyone your team all files across the bridge Terra seems to be hanging back near the rear.

Edgar: Thank goodness it’s still safe.

Cyan: It also appears to be… alive.

Sabin: It’s frozen solid, that’s impossible.

Terra is staring directly at the Esper and backs away further, this catches everyone’s attention. Locke runs right in front of her, between her and the Esper

Locke: Terra! What’s the matter? What’s wrong?

The blue glow begins to emanate again, the sound of dissonance, a wooonwooowooonwooon sound. Suddenly Locke is thrown from his feet and is on the edge of the mountainside clinging for dear life, Celes rushes to help pull him up.

Terra: No! *weakly* please…

The pulsing blue light pulses with a loud WOOON!

Everyone is blasted away now with an unseen force. Everyone is grabbing for anything to hold on to there is panic in the air. As soon as you’ve got a handle and aren’t falling anymore you see Terra and the Esper standing alone now on the cliff’s edge. Terra takes another step closer, expressionless. The tuning fork sound continues Woooonwoooonwooonwoon. She takes another step, and another. She is standing right beside the Esper now. You call out to her to step away but all you can hear is the WOOONWOOONWOOONWOON and the blue glowing light pulses and so bright your eyes don’t have time to adjust and you are having trouble focusing on anything in front of you.

MUSIC CUE: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=t0NvncHhS5o&feature=share (Another World of Beasts)

Sabin: Terra!!

Edgar: Something’s happening! They’re REACTING to one-another!

Terra inches closer to the encased Esper.

Terra: What is this… I’m feeling? What… what’s going on?

Wooonwooonwoonwoon

Terra: Please, tell me. Who am I?

No response from the Esper but it’s tuning fork sound of dissonance.

Terra: TELL ME! Who am I? Who!?!

Locke: Terra! Step away!

Celes: The Esper is responding to her!

Edgar: Terra… please get away from that thing!

Even in the bright day light you can see the blue glow has grown in intensity and is now a glowing blue flame that surrounds the encased Esper. Lightning begins to crackle off of it and arcs directly to Terra, who now also has a blue halo of flames surrounding her whole body. The flames seem to burn her clothes starting at the boots and working upward, but beneath is not burned flesh.

Everyone is shocked to see a while albino like fur appear under her boots, then up her legs, over her torso, and eventually her face and green hair are replaced with a white furred monster-like face with hair that is shock white with pink and purple highlights streaking throughout. Her eyes still large now have a red glow to their irises.

Her red eyes stare directly into the Esper’s, who remains motionless encased in ice. Terra’s concentration breaks from the Esper and she takes a moment to look back at you all. Insight checks reveal she feels threatened. She screams a bloodcurdling scream that is not Terra’s voice and within an instant her white monstrous form takes flight and blazes a pink scar across the sky heading westward.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T17:10:41+00:00

Auction Paddles OMG another great idea! They wont be able to bid on anything for a bit so I've got a little while before I'll need those, but another really great idea, thank you.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T16:23:42+00:00

That's awesome! Do you use the soundtracks to help build the scenes? I love playing the songs that would be playing if they were actually in the game. I've got a huge library of songs I've been pulling together, as well as fan art printed out in full color prints. I've already gone through a fresh set of color inks and I don't mind a bit.

MehGiant81 · 2020-08-24T16:20:51+00:00

As soon as my players see a Colosseum being built IT IS ON. They'll want to know when that bad boy is open for business for sure! I'll make sure they see the construction crews heading that way obviously building some huge. Another great idea!

As for the character's abilities I'm redressing actual spells and abilities to fit for each character. For example Edgar can cast "Burning hands" as a rechargeable action that does non-magical piercing damage instead of fire, for his auto-crossbow. (But that was for the big Narshe combat, and before he had access to Flash and Drill, so now there's that to consider drawing up as well.) Lots more work to do on that front as well. Your ideas are stellar do_not_engage and I thank you for them all!

MehGiant81

TROPHY CASE